Michael Owen gets two as United come from behind against Scunthorpe

Manchester United came from behind to see off a spirited Scunthorpe side and move comfortably into the last 16.

On show: Owen scores his first as United fight back for victory (Picture: Action Images)

The holders were left stunned as Josh Wright fired the hosts ahead on 19 minutes but ultimately proved too strong for their Championship opponents thanks to goals from Darron Gibson, Chris Smalling , Ji-Sung Park and a brace from Michael Owen .

With boss Sir Alex Ferguson scouting in Spain it was left to assistant Mike Phelan to take control at Glanford Park and the United stand-in had plenty to think about as Wright opened the scoring in spectacular fashion from 25 yards.

But the hosts’ joy proved to be short-lived as Gibson lobbed goalkeeper Joe Murphy to level the scores minutes later, before Smalling made it two from close range.

Owen bagged his first of the night shortly after the break before Park, later replaced by debutant Bebe, added a fourth, leaving Owen to complete the rout from close range. Martyn Woolford netted a last-minute consolation for the hosts.

Elsewhere, the United manager’s son, Darren Ferguson, saw his Preston team lose 2-1 at Wigan thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Charles N’Zogbia.